Manager – Founder’s Office (Fundraising and Business Development) : Soul Forest family

Welcome to the Soul Forest family, a collective of nature enthusiasts set out to create liveable nature reserves. We are artists, entrepreneurs, executives, architects, and scientists who have come together to turn barren lands into mega biodiverse forests that act as sanctuaries for wildlife and peaceful havens for humans. We address the alarming 70% decline in biodiversity over the past 50 years head-on, creating a win-win solution for the planet and humanity. Our flagship Soul Forest spans 200 acres in Veltoor, Telangana, nestled alongside a picturesque 400-acre lake just a two-hour drive from Hyderabad. About 80% of our land is dedicated to preserving biodiversity, guided by global best practices and ancient indigenous wisdom. The remaining 20% fosters eco-friendly living spaces, wellness centers, and educational workshops, empowering local economies and communities. An endeavour spearheaded by CosmosGreen (www.cosmosgreen.in), Soul Forest is led by two of the co-founders of Kheyti, which won the prestigious EarthShot Prize 2022 for protecting and restoring nature. Our goal is audacious: Transform 100,000 acres of arid lands in major cities worldwide into vibrant biodiverse forests in a decade, generating 100,000 livelihoods within and around these Soul Forests. Join us on a journey of hope and actionable wisdom, exploring new paradigms of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Discover how our investments can enrich both financial and natural capital while honouring indigenous wisdom and uplifting local communities. Together, let’s rewrite the narrative, shifting headlines to “Humans Ignited Biodiversity Gain.”

Role Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic professional to join the Founder’s Office and take ownership of fundraising and business development efforts. This person will work closely with the Founder to build relationships with HNIs, institutions, and international stakeholders while leading efforts to align and track OKRs across teams. The role requires strategic thinking, strong execution skills, and an ability to foster impactful collaborations. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of Soul Forest by ensuring business growth and operational success.

Our Vision:

We aim for a future where restoring nature is profitable for all.

Our Mission:

Co-creating mega biodiverse forests with a planet-conscious community.

Our Values:

Accountability and Flexibility: Embrace both responsibility and the ability to adapt.Give 100%: Commit fully, taking care of both self and the team.Have Fun: Stay joyful while remaining focused on the mission.Be Fearless, Responsibly: Approach challenges boldly, with awareness of consequences.Think. Act. Learn. Repeat: Engage in continuous reflection, action, learning, and improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fundraising Leadership:

Build and maintain relationships with HNIs, institutions, foundations, and other impact investors to secure funding.Develop fundraising strategies, narratives, and pitch materials aligned with the mission and goals of Soul Forest.Explore new fundraising opportunities through grants, impact investments, philanthropy, and strategic partnerships.2. Business Development & Strategic Partnerships:

Lead business development efforts with wellness brands, corporations, and sustainability-focused organizations.Foster partnerships with Indian and international stakeholders, including NGOs, institutions, and government entities.Negotiate and close partnerships and collaborations aligned with the mission of creating biodiverse ecosystems and sustainable projects.3. OKR Alignment and Team Tracking:

Lead the alignment and tracking of OKRs across departments to ensure the organization stays on track with strategic goals.Collaborate with team leads to monitor progress and identify gaps in achieving key objectives.Ensure smooth coordination and execution of critical projects and business efforts.4. Project Launch & Execution:

Oversee the launch of key developments and projects, ensuring they align with business goals and timelines.Work with internal teams and external partners to support seamless project execution and foster long-term impact.

Experience and Skills:

Fundraising & Business Development Expertise:

At least 5 years of experience in fundraising, partnerships, or business development, ideally within the impact investing, sustainability, or product based businesses.Proven ability to secure funding from HNIs, institutions, and other impact-driven investors.Strong network of relevant stakeholders across industries and regions.Operational and Leadership Skills:

Experience in leading cross-functional alignment and tracking progress toward key objectives.Strong ability to identify opportunities, negotiate deals, and lead business growth efforts.Excellent storytelling, presentation, and interpersonal skills for engaging donors and partners.Entrepreneurial & Collaborative Mindset:

A self-starter who takes ownership of outcomes, manages risks, and adapts strategies as needed.Comfortable working in a goal-oriented, collaborative environment with multiple moving parts.Ability to anticipate challenges and proactively support the team to stay on track with objectives.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

Mission-driven individual passionate about ecological restoration, wellness, and sustainable development.Strong track record of building long-term relationships with donors, partners, and institutions.Comfortable leading conversations with Indian and international stakeholders, including HNIs, corporations, and policymakers.A problem-solver with a growth mindset who thrives in leadership roles and takes full ownership of results.

Join Us:

If you are excited to lead fundraising and business development efforts, ensure OKR alignment, and help build biodiverse ecosystems that benefit both people and the planet, we would love to hear from you!

Please send your resume and cover letter to info@soulforest.in